WAIAPU FARMERS’ TIKITIKI STORE : OPENING FUNCTION

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23217, 31 March 1950, Page 6

WAIAPU FARMERS’ TIKITIKI STORE : OPENING FUNCTION

(Herald Correspondent.)

An interesting function took place at Tikitiki yesterday, when the spacious new general store erected by the Waiapu Farmers’ Co-operativ Company. Limited, was formally opened by Sir Apirana Ngata, one of the founders and first chairman of the company. A considerable gathering witnessed the ceremony, which was completed when Sir Apirana invited Mrs. C. Goldsmith, wife of the company's manager, to cut a ribbon stretched between the doorposts of the main entrance. Sir Apirana spoke at length on the early histroy of the company, which was formed in 1912, and made special reference to the valuable assistance given by Mr. S. S. Dean, who was at that time Gisborne manager of the South British Insurance Company. He also made mention of the many years during which Mr. H. F. Forster was closely associated with one phase of the company’s business. Sir Apirana mentioned that both Mr. Dean and Mr. Forster were present by invitation of the directors at this function. First Store Burned in 1941 The rebuilding of the store, which was destroyed by fire in 1941, had been a substantial project in which the directors had endeavoured to provide for all the varied needs of the Tikitiki people and of the Waiapu farmers generally, Sir Apirana added. Messrs. Dean and Forster were invited to speak, and made special reference to the able managership of the company by Mr. Charles Goldsmith over a long neriod. Other speakers Included the Rev. P. Kohere, Mr. R. G. Wills, contractor for the new building, and Mr. Hone Ngata. Following the ceremony all present adjourned to the Tikitiki meetinghouse, at the invitation of Mr. S. Haig, present chairman of the company, who presided at the function and extended a warm welcome to the visitors. A sumptuous luncheon was served by an energetic committee of ladies connected with the company, the guests numbering between 300 and 400. Palatial New Structure The new building was much admired during an inspection by visitors, and its facilities include a commodious store a storage room, and offices that would not suffer by comparison with any city building, in the opinion of several businessmen. The opinion was expressed that it would serve the needs of a thriving district for many years, and that its fire-proof construction and general lay-out reflected much credit upon the directors of the company. Among the guests for the function were Messrs. R. A. Bcrge, J. Shephard, L. B. Cameron and N. Mills. Directors who took part in the gathering were Messrs. S. Haig, chairman, Hone Ngata, R. T. Green, IF. Mahuika, G. Goldsmith, Turei Maki, and G. Reedy.